As a desert-adapted plant, my very existence is governed by the sun. To initiate the complex process of blooming, I require a tremendous amount of light energy. Please place me in the sunniest location you have, preferably a south-facing window where I can bask in at least six to eight hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. This solar fuel is the primary catalyst that tells my internal systems it is time to produce flowers. Without it, I will direct my energy solely towards leaf growth and survival, and you will see no blooms.
My natural habitat has a distinct dry season, and I am genetically programmed to respond to it. To trigger flowering, you must mimic these conditions. During the late fall and winter, when temperatures are cooler and daylight hours are shorter, I enter a period of rest. It is absolutely crucial that you significantly reduce watering at this time. Allow my caudex (swollen trunk) to soften slightly and the soil to become completely dry for an extended period. This hydric stress is a non-negotiable signal for me that it is time to prepare for reproduction—flowering—once the rains return.
While I am not a heavy feeder, the right nutrients at the right time make a significant difference. As I exit my dormant period in early spring, begin feeding me. However, standard fertilizer high in nitrogen will only encourage leafy green growth at the expense of flowers. You must provide a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus (the middle number) and potassium content, such as a 5-10-10 or similar "bloom booster" formula. This specific nutrient ratio supports strong bud formation and root health. Feed me monthly during my active growing season, but cease entirely during my dormant period.
My root system demands excellent drainage above all else. I despise having my roots sit in soggy, waterlogged soil; it will cause them to rot and will certainly prevent flowering. Plant me in a very well-draining potting mix, ideally one formulated for cacti and succulents, or make your own with plenty of perlite, pumice, or coarse sand mixed into the soil. Furthermore, I actually bloom best when I am slightly pot-bound. A container that is just a little too small for my roots encourages me to focus my energy on flowering rather than expanding my root system.
I thrive in warmth. During my active growing and flowering season, I prefer daytime temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C). More importantly, I require a noticeable drop in temperature at night, a differential of about 10-15 degrees. This cooler night period, especially when combined with the other factors mentioned, helps solidify the flowering signal. Please protect me from temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as I am very cold-sensitive and will drop buds and leaves if shocked.
